ADVISORY ON MONITOR LIZARD

What are they? The most common monitor lizard among the three found in Singapore is the Malayan water monitor (Varanus salvator) that can grow up to 3m long. The other two species, the clouded monitor lizard (Varanus nebulous), and the Malayan Water Monitor Lizard Dumeril’s Monitor Lizard rarest Dumeril’s monitor (Varanus dumerilii) can grow to a length of 1 to 1.5m. Monitor Clouded Monitor Lizard lizards are mostly carnivorous; some also scavenge on carrion. It can be found in forests, mangrove swamps, and even man- Dumeril’s Monitor Lizard (juvenile) made canals! Above photos by Michael Cota. Important Ecological Roles Above photos by Nick Baker. Conservation In Singapore, it is illegal under Control of prey population Monitor lizards feed the Wild Animals and Birds Act to remove wild on a huge variety of food types (eg. insects, crabs, animals, including monitor lizards, from the wild. snakes, fish, etc); they control the population of Those found in nature reserves are also protected their prey, and in turn are a source of food to larger by the Parks and Trees Act 2005.hwefewt predators (eg. crocodiles).

Keep habitat clean They also play an important Poaching of monitor lizards exists in Singapore. role as scavengers in biomass decomposition and However, they are often not brought to the recycling. attention of local authorities. Common Concerns

The monitor’s saliva contains over 50 bacteria that How can I help? infect and kill their prey slowly. Is this true?  If you witness any illegal trading or The carrion meat that get stuck in the monitor’s teeth poaching: are teeming with bacteria that can cause infections in - Collect information. Take photos or the bite wound. However, the main cause of death of video evidences of the traps, animals, preys is the venom secreted by the monitor. poachers, and/or their vehicle license plate number. Are monitor lizards venomous? - Call NParks at 1800-471-7300, AVA at Contrary to previous beliefs, most lizards do possess 1800-476-1600, the local police, or glands that secrete venom. While the monitor uses its ACRES Wildlife Crime at 9783 7782. venom to kill its small preys (symptoms include rapid  Do not buy any monitor lizard products, swelling, drop in blood pressure, and blood clot such as meat and skin products. inhibition), it has a relatively mild effect on humans.  Raise awareness by sharing with your Are they dangerous? friends and family about the threats to They are naturally shy and would rather stay away monitor lizards, and what can they do to from humans. Like most wild animals, they do not help. attack unless provoked. As long as you keep your distance and leave them alone, you will be fine. What to do when I encounter a monitor lizard?

 Do not be alarmed. These animals are shy and will not attack humans unless provoked or cornered.

 Do not touch, chase or corner them as they may attack in defence. You are advised to leave them alone. It is fine to observe them from afar.

 Seek medical attention immediately if (in a rare event) you are bitten. Although monitor lizards do secrete venom, it is not fatal to humans. The main cause for concern would be bacterial infection from the bite.

If you have further queries, please contact AVA at 1800-476-1600 or through our online feedback form at https://www.ifaq.gov.sg/ava/apps/feedback.aspx.

References from Singapore Biodiversity Encyclopedia (2011) and www.naturia.per.sg.